How to Use Networking to Create and Close More Opportunities, with Dr. Ivan Misner

Mo asks Dr. Ivan Misner: How do we grow our book of business?

• There is a networking disconnect, where everybody goes to networking events wanting to sell but nobody is there to buy. Networking is all about relationships, it’s more like farming than hunting.
• Avoid selling the first time you meet someone. Plant the seed of the relationship first and then cultivate it over time.
• Ivan recommends the 24/7/30 follow-up system. Within 24 hours of meeting someone, send them a note and let them know that you enjoyed getting to know them. Within 7 days find them on social media and make a meaningful connection with them. Go where they are, not where you want to be. Within 30 days reach out to them and ask to have a conversation about what they do. The whole time you avoid selling to them and focus instead on just building the relationship.
• Start with the other person in mind and get to know them as a human being. It’s not what you know or who you know, it’s how well you know each other that counts.
• The important thing is not about who is in your database, it’s who is willing to help you if you asked.
• If you follow up in a meaningful way with the goal of building a real relationship, it’s not going to feel formulaic or contrived. Helping and authenticity are key.
• Infinite giving does not mean that you’re an infinite victim. Giving can take all kinds of forms and there are a number of ways your giving will come back to you.

Mentioned in this Episode:

GrowBIGPlaybook.com

ivanmisner.com

bni.com